Romero, a grade six pupil of Mabini Educational Institution, Brgy. Talaga, Tanauan City, toppled Handaru Juan Izz Linardhi of Indonesia in the ninth and final round to garner a total of 7.5 points and bagged the gold in the open 12-under category of the standard competition.

His eldest sister Gladys Hazelle Romero was very proud and thankful for her brother's successful showing in the competition.

"Congratulations on your well-deserve victory FM Gladimir Chester Romero. Out of 31 participants from 12 countries you emerged as the champion in the open under 12 category of the 4th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship in Bangkok, Thailand thus earning the FM (fide master) title award," said Gladys Hazelle, a former stalwart of Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales Far Eastern University chess team.

"Representing the country is more than enough, but you showed us your dedication and will to win that is truly remarkable as a Pilipino. This is the beginning of your journey as the country's newest Fide Master. Continue to strive more. Keep fighting and work for your dreams and most of all, have faith in the Lord. Thank you for making us all proud," she added.

Aside from Gladimir Chester, Ruelle "Tawing" Canino (G-12) of Cagayan de Oro City got the Woman Fide Master title as well after the latter's topping her division.

The Fide Master title follows the International and Grand Master ranks and is earned through garnering a FIDE (World Chess Federation) rating of at least 2300 or winning the Asia Youth Chess Championship.

Gladimir Chester Thailand chess campaign is supported by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Gladimir Chester is expected to arrive the country on Sunday and to be feted by Tanauan City, Batangas mayor Mary Angeline "Sweet" Y. Halili.-Marlon Bernardino-